Determining the order of “subtle Dharma” [miao-fa] means that if we follow convenience [in understanding the] meaning, we should first clarify [the meaning of] Dharma and then discuss its subtlety. As it is written [in the Lotus Sūtra], “My dharma is subtle and difficult to conceptualize.”³¹ If we follow grammatical proportion, [the adjective] “subtle” should come first and later [the noun] “Dharma.”

If one wishes to praise someone, one calls him a likable fellow. If there is no praiseworthy person, then what would one call a “likable fellow”? Therefore first there must be a [worthy] person, and later [the appellation] “likable.” This title [of the Lotus Sūtra] follows grammatical proportion, therefore [the word ] “subtle” comes first and [the word] “Dharma” later. In interpreting the meaning it is convenient to first [discuss] Dharma and then its subtlety. Although we speak of an order, first and last, they are not mutually contradictory.

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Hurvitz, Lotus Sūtra, 28, translates the context as follows: “Cease, Cease! No need to speak. My dharma is subtle and hard to imagine. Those of overweening pride, if they hear it, shall surely neither revere it nor believe in it.” return